Young Players Second Stage proudly presents West Side Story Jan 3-13 at the historic Royal Theatre in downtown Benton, Arkansas. Show times are 7 PM Thursday-Saturday and 2 PM on Sunday. This production is made possible through the sponsorship of Advanced Alarm Technologies. Ticket prices are $15 for general admission; $12 for seniors, military and college students with ID; and $6 for students through high school. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.theroyalplayers.com or reservations can be made by calling 501-315-LIVE.
West Side Story is based on a conception of Jerome Robbins, book by Arthur Laurents, music by Leonard Berstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The YP2S production is directed by Justin A. Pike, with choreography by Reagan Hammonds, music direction by Tanner Oglesby. Kenzie Brenton is stage manager, assisted by Lexie Ellis.
Young lovers are caught between prejudice and warring street gangs in one of the most important and powerful musicals of all time. From the first notes to the final breath, West Side Story is one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Arthur Laurents' book remains as powerful, poignant and timely as ever. The score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim are widely regarded as among the best ever written. The world's greatest love story takes to the streets in this landmark Broadway musical that is one of the theatre's finest accomplishments.
Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the "American" Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
CAST of WEST SIDE STORY
Mark A. Burbank
Tony
Madeline Martin
Maria
Christian Waldron
Riff
Hannah Blacklaw
Velma
Izzy Hammonds
Anybodys
Luke Ferguson
Diesel
Meredith Medford
Graziella
Brennon Humprey
Action
Gretchen Bush
Clarice
Jack Clay
Baby John
Makayla Shipe
Minnie
Ethan Davis
Big Deal
Amber Thompson
Patsy
Zachary Glover
A-Rab
Meg Amason
Pauline
Andrew McBride
Bernardo
Annslee Clay
Consuela
Jaelun Thomas
Chino
Destiny Marchese
Rosalia
Matthew Glover
Pepe
Skyla Conger
Teresita
Matthew Burns
Luis
Katharine Crowe
Francisca
Nathan Clay
Toro
Chloe Clement
Estella
William Alverio
Indio
Mia Simone Parker
Margarita
Noah Lee
Nibbles
Adult Mentors
Kelsey Marie Padilla-Dumas
Anita
Hillary Bell
Lt. Shrank
Tony Clay
Doc
Greg Blacklaw
Officer Krupke/Gladhand
YP2S is a branch of the Young Players program at the Royal Theatre. It exists to provide advanced theatrical opportunities to likeminded, creative young people in the greater central Arkansas area. YP2S stresses dedication, positivity, preparedness, community, and focus as a means to success. This program provides a unique youth theatre experience in that it combines the talents of young theatre enthusiasts with the talents of experienced adult mentors. YP2S was conceived in 2013 by Justin A. Pike and Daphne Shoppach and produced its first production in January 2014. Ages 13 to 23 are eligible to audition and participate.
